[odb-help] ODB News, Training Info, and FREE CD offer!

[Rich Cowan]

Dear ODB Users --

There are FOUR things I should let you all know about:


FIRST, there is a lot of exciting news about new groups
making use of ODB all over the country... a state representative
started using it to track contact with constituents... a theatre
group started using it to handle donations... there are several
community organizing networks now looking into adopting the
software... and even a large union is considering it to meet
the needs of local affiliates.  Without much promotion, there
are about 200 organizations a month coming to our web site
to obtain a copy of the ODB software.  We are developing an
infrastructure to support you all: if you are having trouble
getting started we are offering free support for new users the
next two TUESDAYS:  call 617-426-1228 x108 for help.


SECOND, we have an improved Spanish translation of our
bilingual ODB mini-flyer up on the web site.  Thanks to Alejandra
Marriaga and Cesar Marcano for working on this.  The URL is:

http://organizenow.net/odb/odbespanol.pdf

When you copy the flyer, bring TWO ORIGINALS to the copy
store or print shop and tell them to copy it "HEAD to TOE".
Then when the flyers are cut in half they will come out right.
You can even email the PDF to any Kinko's store or copy
place that accepts email; the quality is usually better that way,
and the larger copy places will cut them for you.


THIRD, we have a BRAND NEW resource available for all
of you:  an ODB demonstration script.

The script was originally drafted last year by an OC volunteer
and professional software trainer, Kim Redmon.

There are ODB users giving demonstrations all over the
country and we want to support you.  In the last 3 weeks there
were demos in Detroit and in Bangor, ME and in a couple of
weeks there will be a demonstration in Puerto Rico.  If you
want to do a demo in your area, call us and we will notify
people and send flyers you can hand out at the event!

The URL for the demonstration script is:
http://organizenow.net/odb/odbdemo.pdf

And if you go to the web site (organizersdb.org) you will
even see a Word version of the script that you may modify.


FOURTH, I should let you know that we revived our
special promotion: if you make a donation to the
Organizers' Collaborative of $25 or more you will receive a
CD with the ODB software on it.  Plus the zip code file, the
database drivers, etc.  Very convenient.  Especially if you
want to do a demo and you don't happen to have an Internet
connection!  The promotion was sent out in a mass email,
and I will include a brief excerpt from it below.  Just follow
the link, and get your credit card ready; or if you want to
send it in by mail that is fine also, if postmarked by JULY 7!

Here is an excerpt from the offer:

"A gift of $25, $50, or $100 will put technology for
grassroots outreach and mobilization into the hands of the
groups that need it most.  By pooling your resources with
those of hundreds of other supporters, you will enable
hundreds of member-run organizations to become more
self-sustaining and effective.

"In the first half of 2003 we've received almost $9000 from
170 individuals.  Our goal by July 4th is to reach $10,000,
which would be the most we've ever raised so early in the
year from individuals.

"As an added incentive, FROM NOW UNTIL JULY 7TH
if you make a contribution to OC of $25 or more,
you will receive a BONUS CD.  This CD includes the
Organizers Database software, Open Office
office Suite, the AbiWord word processor, the Mozilla Web
Browser, OC's free email newsletter tool eWrapper.
Documentation and source code for every program will be
included.

"The easiest way to donate is to use our online system by
following this link:

http://organizenow.net/donate-o.html  "


Again, thanks to all of you who have donated to help us
keep things moving here.  It is a lean operation, but even
unpaid interns need a decent space to work, and there
is no such thing as free rent in downtown Boston.  So
every dollar counts.

-rich cowan




Organizers' Collaborative       Box 400897, Cambridge, MA  02140
oc(at)organizenow.net           http://organizenow.net/join.html
(617) 426-1228 x108, m-f 9:30-5:30

-- developing web and software tools to allow social change --
--  groups to more effectively communicate and collaborate  --